Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER - A challenge to Manchester College from Lilly Endowment Inc. could mean up to $4.5 million for the North Manchester college.
Acknowledging Manchester College's success in previous challenges, the Endowment is offering $1.50 for every $1 the College receives from its donors - up to $4.5 million.
"Lilly Endowment's announcement comes at the perfect time for Manchester," said Manchester College President Jo Young Switzer. "We have just built a $17 million Science Center and renovated our recital hall - both without debt. Matching challenges from the Lilly Endowment made both of those campaigns a success.
"Manchester graduates and friends are practical people who see the value in a match like this one."
Manchester is among 34 Indiana colleges and universities to receive grant offers in the Endowment's second phase of its Initiative to Strengthen Philanthropy for Indiana Higher Education. Only 14 schools will share in the $4.5 million challenge, a reward for their success in the Endowment's two previous $1-for-$1 challenges. The 20 other schools receiving smaller matches had less success in previous challenges.
Manchester has 19 months to raise $3 million to receive the $4.5 million and may use the funds "for any proper college purpose," according to the Endowment. The matching period is Friday through Dec. 31, 2006.
"This matching challenge jump-starts our new strategic plan, which continues our tradition of integrating strong academics with community service," said Switzer. The strategic plan, which the Manchester Board of Trustees will consider for adoption in late October, will guide future program and construction decisions and fund drives.
Manchester College raised more than $5 million toward a $3 million challenge, surpassing every participation goal for alumni, parents, staff, faculty, friends and students.
When combined with two current challenges from Trustees and donors - a $1 million dollar-for-dollar match to renovate the College Union and a $70,000 dollar-for-dollar match to bolster The Manchester Fund - the Endowment's latest challenge is particularly exciting for the College. Donor-employer matches could bolster the original donation up to seven times.
Lilly Endowment has enabled Indiana schools to raise more than $140 million through its two previous incentives, said Sara B. Cobb, Endowment vice president for education.
"It appears that the matching aspect of the initiatives helped these schools raise more funds from their boards of directors, staff and faculty, students, parents, alumni and friends," she said.
"Manchester College appreciates the confidence of Lilly Endowment, and its continuing generous support," Switzer said. "We will put its generosity to good use."
Manchester, an independent Church of the Brethren college, offers 45 areas of study on its residential campus in North Manchester. For more about Manchester college, visit www.manchester.edu
